AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
The Farmory (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Community Gardens
└ Community Gardens
The Farmory is a nonprofit urban farm, where community members can learn about sustainable agriculture and aquaponics. However, many of the farm's features were inaccessibly to visitors who rely on wheelchairs or other mobility devices. To make the space more accessible, the Farmory installed a new aquaponics system, which is low to the ground. This allows visitors to see the farm's growing systems without needing to climb onto a ladder. The system consists of four growing beds, water tanks, a germinating chamber and a harvesting area. Today, produce grown with the new aquaponics system also helps combat food insecurity -- the Farmory donates about ten pounds of greens each week to the county's Aging and Disability Resource Center.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
San Antonio, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: An existing garden at a Senior Center will be repaired and improved with accessible raised beds, improved irrigation, shade and soil. The space will host gardening workshops and support regular use by older adults and neighbors.
Chesapeake, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Residents in a low-income Chesapeake neighborhood lacked access to fresh food and safe spaces for social engagement. The project created an accessible community garden at a local library with raised beds, adaptive tools, wheelchair-friendly seating and Mobi-mat paths. Volunteers hosted a "Golden Age Garden Party" featuring health screenings, cooking demonstrations and chair yoga. The garden now provides fresh produce and a welcoming space for older adults to gather and exercise. "I now have access to fresh vegetables in my own backyard," said one resident.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
New Brunswick, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Volunteers and adults age 50-plus will expand a church community garden by adding raised beds. The garden will grow more fresh produce for a local food pantry and provide hands-on gardening and nutrition education.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Green Bay, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public Places Other
Description: Seating, low-impact fitness equipment and a meditation labyrinth will be added at a popular city park. These improvements will support gentle movement, rest and reflection near a busy transit area.
Green Bay, WI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Digital navigation skills
Description: New North addressed gaps in digital access that left many older adults without the skills needed to manage daily tasks online. The initiative expanded digital training across the region through group classes, 1-to-1 coaching and shared statewide modules, while partners added staff and volunteers to support instruction. The NEW BOOST Digital Navigator Network enabled more residents to learn on their own devices, easing financial strain and improving confidence. The effort built lasting capacity for digital skills support that helps older adults stay connected and access essential services.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Wisconsin State Office
222 W Washington Avenue
Suite 600
Madison, WI 53703
United States